personal me
foodie
Actually, I love it when my partner cooks (for me) but sometimes I become sous-chef. Over the years, I’ve learned how to cook because I was raised a baker. My favs are Italian and Mexican dishes. Pastas and red sauces, especially vodka cream sauce with parmigiano reggiano – BRAVO! In my house, all Mexican foods made in-house and some recipes from earlier generations. Truly authentic – tacos, tostadas, enchiladas and sauce, guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips – DELICIOSA!
baker
I have a sweet tooth and about seven cavities to prove it, but thanks to white composite fillings, they're hidden very well. Most of my baking is done through fall and winter seasons and include pastries, breads, cookies, brownies, and cakes. In addition, I would say ice cream is my bff or vice. Quick ice cream story: As a kid, my parents bought generic ice cream that was in a black and white box - ugh! Then as a teenager and my first job at Baskin Robbins, I finally discovered how ice cream should taste!
liquids
What should I drink? That depends on: 1) time of day, 2) the event, and 3) my craving level. I can tell you every morning, coffee is a must and darker roasts are preferred. Craft beers or vino? Usually done over dinner time. If wine, my number one is Malbec, next is Pinot Grigio. For beers, it's based on my mood and not attached to a specific type. I like to learn, experience and appreciate other brews. To give you a gist, these bottles and brews are in my fridge.
wellness
In order to work off all this food and drink, there is a physical side to me. Staying in shape is important to my health and well-being. What can it hurt, right? I have older siblings who modeled this path and I’ve been active since third grade playing sports: basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Softball was my specialty – btw, "First Team All-Conference Catcher" (woo hoo...still have to sport that)! My current workouts have turned into calisthenics training, which is challenging. Some benchmarks that I’ve accomplished is an assisted handstand and a 10-second L-sit. My goal is to do a press-to-handstand. After workouts and before bedtime, I meditate for at least 10 minutes. Peace, harmony, laughter, love.
music
When I need to concentrate, I listen to a Spotify playlist like Focus Flow that has no lyrics and keeps me going. Usually when I’m driving or doing other work, I tend to listen to Old School or my recent playlist which is a diverse Mix…seriously diverse. If I had to pick my top five: 1) Red Hot Chili Peppers, 2) Madonna, 3) Prince, 4) Whitney Houston, and 5) New Edition.
tube
Watching TV shows and movies is how I de-stress and unwind. A total comfort zone. Much depends on what season it is but here are a few I enjoy: Your Honor, Peaky Blinders, Couples Therapy, The Morning Show, Gentefied, Million Dollar Listing, and on weekends I watch HGTV (Love It or List It, Flip or Flop, and Flipping 101) and Food Network (Pioneer Woman, Barfoot Contessa, and Valerie Bertinelli). Weekend nights are usually for movies and lean towards action/adventure or non-fiction genres. All time fav movie: Stand and Deliver. All time fav show: Golden Girls.
other
I don't mind getting dirty once in awhile. After moving out from my parents house, I didn't know how to use a hammer. Now, all I need is YouTube and I can get the job done. No more calls to my male relatives. I also don't mind experiencing unusual places like an alley filled with graffiti in the center of East Los Angeles. I love brisk breezes from the beach and the beach itself - even though I can't swim...I guess I should watch another YouTube video.